The Harrison girls soccer team will have an exciting mix of old and young talent, and also a new face on the sideline, for the upcoming season.

With a new, but very experienced coach, impact players returning up front to lead the attack and promising young talent coming through the ranks, the Blue Tide have plenty to look forward to when their season opens against Queen of Peace on Sept. 5.

Raphael Viana — a 2004 Harrison graduate and member of Mike Rusek's Group 1 champion boys squads in 2001, 2002 and 2003 — will enter his first season directing Blue Tide girls soccer.

Viana also assisted Rusek on the boys side during Harrison's state title runs in 2006 and 2007.

"One thing I've taken from being a part of Harrison soccer for so long is an attitude and expectation for winning. Winning a state championship is probably not realistic right at this time, but it's still the goal," Viana said.

Viana also coached the JV boys team from 2007-09. Since then, he has taught at Livingston's Go2Soccer school — which he co-founded — and has also coached a travel team.

Harrison will return two of its top three scorers from a team that advanced to the Hudson County quarterfinals a year ago and finished with a record of 8-10-1. Katherin Merino and Cindy Passos, both seniors, combined for 11 goals in 2013 and figure to spearhead the attack.

"I really think Katherin might be in for a huge year and has the potential to become one of the county's top players, and I don't say that lightly. Cindy is obviously a standout for our team as well and is a key player towards our success," Viana said.

Talented freshman midfielder Marta Silva is another player Viana feels will contribute towards the offense. Also in the midfield, senior Chelsea Uribe will look to set up the attacking third.

"Lucy has been a very pleasant surprise for us in the preseason and continues to improve," said Viana.

According to Viana, the competition for the goalkeeping job will be open throughout the preseason.

In addition to its 14-game NJIC league schedule — which includes a pair against chief rival Secaucus — Harrison upgraded its independent schedule. The Blue Tide will meet five-time defending Hudson County champion Kearny on Sept. 27, and Madison will come to town for an Oct. 10 clash.

"Part of building up a program is scheduling, and we're looking to play as good competition as we can get," Viana said. "I think we're going to surprise a lot of people this year."